Finding a rental when your credit isn’t ideal can feel daunting, but it’s possible to secure housing even if you’re building—or rebuilding—your credit. For expectant parents and parents of young children, stability and safety in a rental home are essential. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you find a place, even with little, no, or bad credit.

1. Know Your Credit Situation

Before starting your apartment search, take a clear look at where you stand with your credit. Obtain a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit bureaus (Experian, Equifax, and TransUnion) at AnnualCreditReport.com. Check for any errors that might be negatively affecting your score; if you find mistakes, you can dispute them, which may help improve your score.

2. Be Honest About Your Financial Story

If you know that a credit check may not work in your favor, be upfront with potential landlords. Many landlords appreciate transparency and are more likely to work with you if they understand your situation from the start. Briefly explain any challenges and how you’re working to improve your financial stability, such as using budgeting tools, paying down debts, or saving toward an emergency fund.

3. Look for Rental Options That Don’t Require a Credit Check

Certain types of rentals, such as smaller privately-owned apartments, may not require a credit check. These properties are often managed by individual landlords instead of large property management companies. Look for listings on local classified ads, community bulletin boards, and websites that cater to privately-owned rental properties.

4. Prepare for Higher Deposit Requests or Prepaid Rent

Landlords are taking a risk when they rent to individuals with low or no credit, and to offset this risk, they may ask for a larger security deposit or several months of rent upfront. If you’re able, plan to budget for this in advance by setting aside funds from any additional income, tax refunds, or other sources.

If a landlord asks for an advance payment, clarify whether it’s refundable and get any agreements in writing. This can help you avoid future misunderstandings or disputes if the landlord were to change their terms later.

5. Present Proof of Income and Savings

When landlords evaluate tenants, they look for signs of reliable income. If your credit score doesn’t fully reflect your reliability, offer to show proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, a letter from your employer, or tax returns. If you receive other sources of income, such as child support, government assistance, or other reliable streams, provide documentation to show this as well. If you have an emergency fund or savings account, you might also bring proof of this as a way to reassure landlords that you have a cushion to fall back on if income were disrupted.

6. Offer Personal References

A landlord might look at your low credit score and assume you’re a high-risk tenant, but personal references can help counteract that impression. Previous landlords, past roommates, or even your employer can provide letters vouching for your reliability, timeliness in paying rent, and responsible upkeep of a home. These references can be particularly valuable if they are people with established reputations in your community.

7. Build a Strong Rental Application

In competitive rental markets, a strong application can make a difference. Include as much information as possible to give the landlord a well-rounded view of who you are. In addition to proof of income, personal references, and your rental history, you might include a personal letter explaining why you’re seeking the apartment, how you’ll meet your rent obligations, and anything else you think might make a positive impact.

8. Research Rental Assistance Programs

If you’re facing financial challenges, there may be rental assistance programs available in your area. Programs like Section 8, state-specific rental assistance, and housing voucher programs can provide financial relief or help you find a landlord who accepts tenants with limited credit. Additionally, some charitable organizations and nonprofits offer rental assistance and housing resources for parents or expectant parents in financial need.

9. Explore the Possibility of Roommates

If you’re comfortable living with a roommate, sharing the rent with someone who has strong credit can be a solution. A reliable roommate can boost your application and reduce the total cost for each of you, making it more likely that you’ll find a suitable rental that’s within your budget.

10. Improve Your Credit Over Time

If you anticipate renting in the future, you may want to work on building your credit. Simple steps, like paying all bills on time, paying down outstanding balances, or using a credit builder loan, can help raise your score over time. Many banks and credit unions offer free or low-cost credit builder loans, specifically designed for people looking to establish credit.

Some Final Thoughts

Remember, finding a place to rent with little, no, or bad credit may take extra time and patience, but it’s achievable. By preparing a strong rental application, considering assistance programs, and being upfront about your situation, you’ll increase your chances of securing a stable home for you and your family. Keep your eye on the big picture—credit scores can improve, and small steps toward financial wellness can make a huge difference.